The last match of the group stage for Atletico de Kolkata and FC Pune City was inconsequential for both the sides. Atletico had already qualified for the playoffs and Pune were out of the equation.
Nevertheless, the match did not lack in its usual exuberance and excitement. It was an uneventful return for Antonio Lopez Habas to his previous home. The match ended 0-0 and the teams stayed at 3rd and 6th respectively.
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Let us reflect on the 5 significant talking points of the match.
#5 It was an Atletico B side playing against FC Pune City
Jose Molina fielded a new look Atletico de Kolkata with 6 Indians and 5 foreigners. Kingshuk Debnath, Dani Mallo and Oftentse Nato made their first starts. Borja Fernandez, Iain Hume and Helder Postiga sat out. But surprisingly, this new set of players looked quite comfortable in their roles.
For sometime in the first half, the impeccable passing from ATK was reminiscent of a well-oiled machine. The new eleven were playing a stylish brand of football which was hitherto unforeseen from the home side. With this move, it seemed like Molina had got rid of his defensive shackles. The precise first touches, exquisite ball control and good use of the flanks harrowed the Pune City defence.
The home team had a number of shots on target, drawing out fine saves from the Pune goalkeeper. ATK were soaring ahead in the attack index as they attacked the Pune backline at frequent intervals.
#4 FC Pune City lacked the morale to beat Atletico
It took almost 20 minutes for the visitors to register their first shot on target. Atletico were eating them up and Pune had surrendered meekly. The fact that their playoff chances had vanished made this match insignificant for Habas’ men. Consequently, their drooping shoulders reflected poorly on the team spirit.
The Spanish coach could not egg on his players to provide a better display. It was all too lackadaisical from the away side as they were not inclined to go for the kill throughout the 90 minutes. ATK goalkeeper, 37-year-old Dani, was playing his first game of the tournament but the veteran hardly made any saves in the match. It was all too easy for the home side.
#3 Atletico were guilty of squandering goal scoring chances
Juan Belencoso had a number of opportunities to find the back of the net but he failed miserably. Excellent wingplay from Abinash Ruidas, Keegan Perreira and Bidyananda Singh fed the striker with a number of goal scoring opportunities. But the Spaniard failed to finish from close range and shot wide when faced with open goals.
From a save by Pune custodian Arindam Bhattacharya, the ball had fallen to the feet of Belencoso. A simple tap in would have sent the ball rolling into the net. But an erroneous touch took the ball outside the post. He was left to rue wasted opportunities as he picked himself up after each of those chances.
It was a shoddy performance from the striker and he would not want to see those misses again. Atletico should have won the match comfortably by a 2 or a 3-goal margin. Instead, it was a dismal draw, marking the worst ever home performance from the 2014 champions.
#2 Prabir Das stood out with his exceptional performance
An otherwise regular, Prabir Das had lost his place in the last few matches to Pritam Kotal. It was redemption time for the local lad. He had a stellar performance and the left channel of Pune was funnelled out completely. Pune’s main weapon Momar Ndoye was rendered ineffective via effective marking from the Mohun Bagan man. Prabir’s pace and agility matched up with the pacy Senegalese.
Das’ laudable performance won him the man of the match award. This show from the right back should seal his place for the upcoming semi finals. If he can replicate tonight’s efforts in the knock out stage, Atletico can hope for a shot at the finals.
#1 Molina has a static philosophy which could turn counter-productive in the knockout stages
With Belencoso missing numerous chances, his time was up in the first half itself. But Molina persisted with the Spaniard, giving him chances. So much so that, Iain Hume was brought on as a second striker, replacing Nato. Nato had a decent game, making significant contributions in the snatcher role and blocking Pune attacks. But Molina subbed him off to the dismay of the Atk faithful and the football punditry.
This stubbornness can harm the team when it is faced with crisis situations. In the knockout stages, there will not be a chance to fall back. As a result, if Molina does not improvise as per the needs, it would be curtains for the team. He should realise the call of the hour and respond accordingly. The static approach is definitely not the correct way in a 3-month long tournament.
